NFL

BOSTON (CBS) – With the Boston Red Sox currently interviewing for their open managerial position, CBSSports’ Jon Heyman joined 98.5 The Sports Hub’sGresh & Zo on Tuesday to break down the process.

The Red Sox interviewed Dodgers third base coach Tim Wallach last week, Yankees bench coach Tony Pena on Monday, and have Brad Ausmus and DeMarlo Hale scheduled for interviews this week. What does Heyman think of this year’s crop of candidates compared to last off seasons?

“I like their list better this year than last year. To me, it looks like Ben Cherington borrowed the old list from Theo Epstein,” joked Heyman. “From the names we’ve heard so far he has a good list; I have more faith in what’s going on there.”

But the worst kept secret among the Red Sox is Toronto manager John Farrell is their #1 choice as their next manager. Are the Red Sox just bringing in these guys as backup plans? And why would they all agree for an interview if that’s the case?

“They’re guys who are looking for their first job or looking to get back in. They’re happy to do it,” said Heyman. “You can recall during the Theo days of the monkey suits they were interviewing GM candidates. This kind of thing does go on. I think Farrell still has a good shot even though no one is saying much.”

“I think Farrell is their guy, and they’re going to hold out as long as they can and this is part of the negotiation. I do think Toronto and Farrell are not working out as great as I think it would work with Boston,” added Heyman. “In every situation like this were there’s an opening, people know who the favorite is. But I think a lot of times people know going in they’re a long shot… in this case, there is no guarantee Farrell gets let go.”

Felger and Massarotti opened the day discussing the Boston Bruins and yesterday’s NHL Trade Deadline. Did Peter Chiarelli do enough to improve the team? The guys also talked about the New England Patriots, the decision to place the Franchise Tag on kicker Stephen Gostkowski, and futures of Devin McCourty and Darrelle Revis. Finally, Felger goes off on Curt S